Green Practices

An enormous part of what makes Telluride and Mountain Village so special is the uniquely natural environment in which we live. We do our best to protect it, actively pursuing practices of sustainability and minimizing our impact. From our biodiesel shuttle buses to the wind energy that powers our free gondola, which in itself allows residents and visitors to travel efficiently between our two towns, the commitment to environmentally sound practices is an integral part of all development in the region. Even today, the hydroelectric power plant house, visible at the top of the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, provides approximately 25 percent of Telluride's electricity.

In 2008, the Town of Telluride purchased the undeveloped, 570-acre parcel of meadows and woodland along the valley floor, at the entrance to town. It created an open-space barrier that continues to protect the natural environment that encompasses the town.

Learn more about EcoAction Partners

One mission. One voice.

EcoAction Partners was formed by a group of progressive individuals and organizations within the greater Telluride region that recognized the need for a unified voice and vision for future sustainability. Committed to identifying, coordinating and implementing sustainability projects in San Miguel County and the surrounding region, EcoAction Partners recognizes that developing a vision for a sustainable future requires the involvement of the entire community. EcoAction Partners works in collaboration with organizations and individuals to accomplish greenhouse gas reduction, focusing on energy, waste, and food, with programs such as EcoAP’s Green Business Certification Program, Truth or Dare Community Challenge, Zero Waste Teams at Telluride’s festivals and regional events, and much more.

EcoAction Partners’s Green Fund was developed to provide a means for the regional community and visitors to contribute to local renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. With these donations, EcoAction Partners is developing a strong educational component that focuses on creative ways to educate the community. Interested in trimming your carbon footprint? Click here for more information.

One of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions, save money and live a sustainable lifestyle is to become more energy efficient. EcoAction Partners works to decrease energy use and the resulting carbon footprint within our region. From little and big ideas for how to kick the energy habit, play Truth or Dare or participate in our other fun community programs!

Some say: “it's not easy being green.” However, EcoAction Partners is helping the building community “Build Green” through hosting Building Science workshops and development of a local Colorado Green Building Guild chapter. EcoAction Partners also assists the building departments in adoption and maintenance of Green Building & Energy Efficiency Standards required for all new buildings in Telluride, Mountain Village, San Miguel County and Ridgway.
Learn more and see regional Energy Efficient Building Codes at www.ecoactionpartners.org.

Every area has different guidelines, and guidelines often change with the market. Visit EcoAction Partners to stay apprised of what is, and isn't, recyclable in this community and to learn new ways to reduce and reuse.

EcoAction Partners supports local growers and encourages additional food production in the region. Farmers’ Markets and Community Supported Agriculture, along with local food outlets, are vital for healthy and strong communities. EcoAction Partners also advocates the development of more community gardens and greenhouses.

Become a certified Green Business with EcoAction Partners! EcoAction Partners recognizes that the broad scope of sustainability can create an overwhelming list of possible projects to implement that can stall decision-making and action. EcoAction aims to help you navigate through the complex process of identifying, prioritizing, and selecting optimal sustainability actions for your facility. EcoAction will provide informed, quality recommendations that help you choose the best improvements for your facilities. This is a great opportunity for businesses to do their part to become more sustainable and showcase their efforts!